Laws protecting animals in traveling shows are inadequate and
poorly enforced. The Animal Welfare Act establishes only minimum guidelines and
even these meager standards are often ignored.

Animals used in circuses live a dismal life of domination,
confinement, and violent training. It is standard practice to beat, shock, and
whip them to make them perform ridiculous tricks that they cannot comprehend.

Most elephants used by circuses were captured in the wild.
Once removed from their families and natural habitat, their lives consist of
little more than chains and intimidation. Baby elephants born in breeding farms
are torn from their mothers, tied with ropes, and kept in isolation until they
learn to fear their trainers.

Big cats, bears, and primates are forced to eat, drink, sleep,
defecate, and urinate in the same cramped cages.

Children, who are naturally fond of animals, would have to be
dragged kicking and screaming to the circus if they knew of the suffering these
animals endure for a fleeting moment of so- called amusement.

The circus deprives animals of their basic needs to exercise,
roam, socialize, forage, and play. Stereotypic behaviors such as swaying back
and forth, head-bobbing, pacing, bar-biting, and self-mutilation are common
signs of mental distress.

Using dangerous animals in performances jeopardizes public
safety and often puts children at greatest risk. Since 1990, 57 people have been
killed and more than 120 seriously injured by captive elephants.

Animals in circuses are hauled around the country in poorly
ventilated trailers and boxcars for up to 50 weeks a year in all kinds of
extreme weather conditions. Access to the basic necessities of food, water, and
veterinary care is often inadequate.

A growing number of cities are restricting or banning the use
of animals in entertainment. More progressive circuses dazzle their audiences
solely with skilled human performers.